CLOSURE OF BASS BREWERY, PRESTON BROOK

That this House expresses deep concern at the decision of Bass Brewers Limited to close its brewery at Preston Brook in Cheshire; draws attention to the vast improvement in labour relations at this brewery and the co-operation of the whole of the workforce in cost saving exercises and improvement in working procedures which have led to a reduction of the workforce from 1,200 to 430 employees; points out that a loss of up to 500 jobs will have a devastating effect on the local economy in an area of already high unemployment; and calls upon Bass Brewers Limited to reverse the decision and keep this brewery open.